Listen to St. Louis faith leaders talk race, religion

For our holiday episode, we talked to faith leaders about their experiences addressing race with their congregations.

We wanted to know if they felt obligated to address race (many said yes); whether parishioners were receptive (sometimes); and why it was or was not an important part of their ministry (you’ll have to listen to the show to find out).

And at the end of the interviews, we asked each faith leader to share an example from a religious text that they felt supported their opinion on the link between race and religion. Some quoted scripture, and others told a parable.

Maharat Rori Picker Neiss, Jewish Community Relations Council: "I would get up on the pulpit and I would say these are the issues of our time. and some people really loved that I gave voice to it, and some people really didn’t.” CAROLINA HIDALGO | ST. LOUIS PUBLIC RADIO

Terrell Carter, pastor at Webster Baptist Church: “Some congregations just don’t want to deal with it at all. I’ve served in white churches and black churches. The thing that people want to avoid at all cost is a conversation about race." COURTESY PHOTO

Askia Hameed, resident imam at Al-Muminoon Masjid in St. Louis: "'Oh, you who believe, stand out firmly for Allah as witnesses to fair dealing. And let not the hatred of others to you make you swerve to wrong and depart from justice. '" CAROLINA HIDALGO | ST. LOUIS PUBLIC RADIO